ED Attaches Rs 6.34 Lakh Assets in SIMI–IM Terror Funding Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached immovable assets worth Rs 6.34 lakh belonging to accused Raju Khan as part of an ongoing money laundering probe into terror funding networks linked to banned groups Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Indian Mujahideen (IM).

The action, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), stems from a Chhattisgarh Police FIR in Raipur against Dheeraj Sao and associates under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Investigations revealed bank accounts were exploited to funnel funds from an entity identified as "Khalid of Pakistan" to alleged SIMI/IM members, including Zubair Hussain, Aysha Banu, and Raju Khan.

ED findings indicate Sao orchestrated the diversion of cash through multiple accounts, routing it via layered transactions. Raju Khan allegedly acted as a key conduit, withdrawing funds promptly and distributing them on instructions from Khalid and Sao, while retaining a 13% commission—amounting to Rs 6.34 lakh as proceeds of crime.

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Analysis of Khan's accounts showed over Rs 48 lakh deposited by the syndicate, with Rs 42 lakh transferred onward to SIMI/IM-linked individuals. This latest attachment follows an earlier seizure of Rs 3 lakh in the case.

The probe underscores efforts to dismantle cross-border terror financing, with ED focusing on disrupting illicit networks that support banned outfits. Officials continue to trace additional assets and connections, emphasizing the role of financial trails in combating terrorism. 

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